Analysis of Design Algorithms and Fabrication of a Graph-based Double-curvature Structure with Planar Hexagonal Panels

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new computational framework for designing, simulating, and fabricating double-curvature structures using planar hexagonal panels, based on a graph representation of a subdivided triangular surface.

Contribution

It presents a novel algorithmic approach for creating and fabricating complex double-curvature structures with planar hexagonal panels from a triangular grid.

Findings

Successful implementation of the algorithm

Fabrication of planar hexagons matching mesh surfaces

Effective simulation of dynamic interactions

Abstract

This paper presents a novel algorithmic framework for the computational design, simulation, and fabrication of a hexagonal grid-based double-curvature structure with planar hexagonal panels. The journey begins with constructing a robust data structure through the meticulous subdivision of an equilateral triangle surface, forming a foundational triangular grid. This grid is the basis for a graph that encapsulates hexagons, laying the groundwork for simulating dynamic interactions and form-finding. The developed algorithm ensures a well-structured hexagonal grid data representation, and the experimental results showcase the successful implementation of the algorithm, leading to the fabrication of planar hexagons mirroring physics-generated mesh surfaces.